Gov. Sarah Palin
goes to the dogs—to encourage young people to read

 Governor shown “reading” to domestic dogs about the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

A new poster and bookmark designed to encourage children to read features Gov. Sarah Palin promoting Alaska and the world renowned winter event—the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.  The literacy project is sponsored jointly by the Alaska Library Association, the Alaska State Library, NEA-Alaska, and the Office of the Governor.  

On the poster, Governor Palin sits on a sled, book in hand, while several domestic dogs gather around, apparently listening to her read The Great Serum Race.  This award- winning book, written by Debbie S. Miller and illustrated by Jon Van Zyle, tells the story of the heroic mushers and their dogs who raced medicine across Alaska to Nome in 1925 to prevent a diphtheria epidemic.

Publication of the posters and bookmarks coincides with NEA-Alaska’s Read Across America, which celebrates the early March birthday of Dr. Seuss.  The posters will be distributed to school and community libraries throughout Alaska, while the bookmarks will be targeted for young readers.